Rowan Corkill was born in Scotland in 1986. He received a BA in photography & Electronic media at Robert Gordons University, Aberdeen. Followed by an MSC in Sound Art & Design at Duncan of Jordanston University, Dundee. Rowan Corkill has exhibited nationally and internationally with shows in Europe, North & South America and Canada. The artist has been working with nature as a prominent theme since 2010.

The artists practice is focused around mankind’s ongoing relationship with nature and the exploration of different cultures and civilisations, of which many have deep relationships and connections with the natural world. Rowans works possess a sense of power as well as fragility, a duality which echoes that which exists within nature. In recent sculptural works the artist has explored the protective qualities of materials, both physical and symbolic.

Materials play a strong role in the artist’s practice, particularly the use of animals and plants which are collected and used in most of his works. Animal hides and skins are incorporated into sculptural works through taxidermy techniques which the artist has practiced for over 10 years. These taxidermy pieces do not fit within standard notions of the art form, instead of favouring the realism of Victorian taxidermy his works draw more from ethnographic objects such as African Nkisi objects or Nagaland head trophies. The use of taxidermy in his work acts as a foundation on which to apply materials, most of which are imbued with symbolic meanings which elevate the objects beyond the norms of the everyday. These symbolisms, which cultures have applied to almost every facet of the natural world, drive the artist to explore new materials and provide a never-ending appreciation for both nature and mankind’s creative interpretations of it.

All animals have been ethically sourced.

Representation

Luisa Catucci Gallery. Berlin. Germany
info@luisacatucci.com